Munnich, who is a four-time German rallycross champion, said that he was using the drive to evaluate a possible switch to the series for his team in 2013.

"It is a good opportunity for me to evaluate the WTCC," he said. "As a driver this is a new challenge for me. I have never raced at Suzuka before.

"Luckily we are using the short circuit so that will give me the chance to learn the track quickly and get used to the car.

"Competition in the WTCC is of the highest level, so it will take some time to get used to it. And I also want to use this time to investigate the possibility for our team to join the championship next year."

Other driver news includes the confirmation that China Dragon Racing will field three Chevrolet Lacettis for Felipe de Souza, Ng Kin Veng and Celio Alves Dias at Macau.

Team Engstler will run a third BMW for Jo Merszei while Mak Ka Lok and Henry Ho will race privateer examples. Eurico de Jesus will drive an ex-JAS Motorsport Honda Accord.

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